ICH Courier

The HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board (NHB) of Singapore, held the 22nd Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) across Singaporean communities from May 1st to 25th, 2025. The festival brought together cultural activists who have been safeguarding living heritage, including traditional artisans, performing artists, and cuisine experts, as well as over 90 community groups and companies to recognize and celebrate the efforts.
Over 100 programs held across the country showcased various intangible cultural heritage such as batik craftsmanship, nasi ulam (herbed rice), traditional wedding customs, and traditional plays through performances, workshops, and exhibitions. Notably, Singapore’s ICH elements inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List, including hawker culture and kebaya, gained widespread recognition. Qazim Karim, Head of Festivals & Precinct Development at
HeritageSG, stated, “Intangible cultural heritage is not merely a relic but a living culture that continues to be practiced and passed down.” He added, “We hope this festival will serve as an opportunity for generations to come together to learn and share traditions, thereby reinforcing our shared identity.” ICH